Happily Divorced And After

RIVERSIDE, CA—- What an incredible night at the First Annual Spring Art Experience and Fundraiser hosted by Off the Chain Alliance and MHE Productions on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event featured the stunning works of artist Maurice Howard and drew a crowd of remarkable individuals, including the renowned Charles Bibbs and his lovely wife, Elaine Bibbs.

The experience was held at the exquisite Mind & Mill in Downtown Riverside, the evening was truly special. Porscha N. Dillard, founder of Off the Chain Alliance, shared her heartfelt story and the mission behind her nonprofit, supporting disenfranchised minority families in the Inland Empire.

Maurice Howard sold two original pieces, generating funds to advance this important cause. The night was elevated by the mesmerizing vocals of Nkese, leaving the audience spellbound.

The collaboration between Porscha N. Dillard and Maurice Howard proved to be exceptional, making the event an unforgettable success. Cheers to more amazing events like this in the future!

By Lue Dowdy

This past Saturday, the Assistant League of San Bernardino hosted their 62nd Annual Headdress Ball, a major fundraiser supporting their philanthropic programs for children and young adults in San Bernardino County. This year’s theme, “I Hope You Dance,” took the audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1920s to the 2000s.

The event showcased 12 remarkable women from the community as models, including Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent for San Bernardino Unified School District, and Sonietta Brown, President Elect of the San Bernardino Symphony. A highlight of the evening was LuCretia Dowdy, also known as Lue, the Community Engagement Specialist for First 5 San Bernardino. She lit up the stage with a spirited Charleston dance choreographed by Lupita of The Limónadas Dance Company, her radiant smile and energetic moves thrilling the audience.

San Bernardino City Mayor Helen Tran and Felicia Alexander, President of the Assistance League of San Bernardino, delivered the opening remarks. The live auction was expertly conducted by Councilman Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward. The event’s atmosphere was further enlivened by live music from the San Bernardino Music Teen Workshop, creating a memorable and enchanting evening.

The Assistance League of San Bernardino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact through their philanthropic efforts in San Bernardino and surrounding communities.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revised Budget has sparked criticism from criminal justice advocates for failing to include additional prison closures. Despite a budget deficit of as much as $73 billion and the potential to save more than $1.5 billion annually by closing more prisons, as well as billions more in infrastructure repair costs, the governor’s proposal includes only minimal cuts to prison spending by closing 46 housing blocks across 13 state prisons, resulting in savings of $80 million, a tiny fraction of CDCR’s $14.5 billion budget and overall bed capacity.

Amber-Rose Howard, Executive Director of Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), stated, “If the administration can’t select a prison to close, we are prepared to advocate for closure at specific prisons across the state. Closing entire prisons, starting with a prison like the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco (CRC), is a sensible step towards significant cost savings.”

This morning, CURB launched a petition to close CRC in Riverside County. The petition demands the closure of five more prisons: an immediate closure of CRC, alongside the commitment to close at least four additional state prisons in the future. “This petition will represent the collective voice of thousands of Californians who believe in a more just and fiscally responsible approach to public safety,” said Viju Mathew, a lead organizer with CURB member organization Critical Resistance.

“We are calling on Governor Newsom to change course and really step into leadership on prison closure.”

While some towns have resisted prison closures for economic reasons, the call to shutter CRC has existing community support. Prison closure is part of the city’s official legislative platform and has been supported by local lawmakers. In 2021, CURB named CRC Norco as a top state prison to close based on a survey of more than 2,000 incarcerated people.

CRC Norco has earned the reputation of being a toxic prison. “Without air conditioning, summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees F, with only 5 fans for 100 people,” said an anonymous incarcerated individual at CRC. Marked for closure in 2012 by then-Governor Jerry Brown, the state allocated $810 million to construct prison housing elsewhere. However, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) opted to keep CRC operational to “alleviate overcrowding” in other state prisons.

The state prison population in California has decreased significantly to approximately 93,000 from its peak of 165,000 in 2006, yet the state continues to maintain costly and underutilized facilities. Nonpartisan budget analysts have endorsed closing up to five additional prisons, and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D) introduced AB 2178 this year to limit CDCR’s overall bed capacity.

Notably, the only organization listed in opposition to AB 2178 was the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the law enforcement special interest group representing prison guards which successfully negotiated $1 billion in raises and bonuses from Newsom for their members last year. CCPOA is one of Newsom’s biggest and most reliable donors.

“We are deeply concerned with the Governor’s comments that more prison closures are not being planned due to proposed policies and initiatives that will fill California prisons,” said Emily Harris, co-director of programs for the Ella Baker Center, in a Friday press release. “This is an alarming signal that the Governor and our lawmakers are preparing to send California backward to an era of mass incarceration. Governor Newsom should do everything he can to stop the attempted roll back of Prop 47.”

“The governor’s budget continues to prioritize the prison system over essential community services,” continued Howard. “These funds should be redirected to offset the shameful cuts to education, housing, and other programs that would better address the root causes of criminalization, like poverty, and support communities across California.

Critics opposing prison closures often cite public safety concerns, despite the fact that California’s three existing prison closures had no associated releases of incarcerated people. Both advocates urged California decision-makers to learn from past mistakes and seek smart solutions to public safety that do not involve putting predominantly Black, Brown, and low-income Californians behind bars.  

Comprehensive economic ‘just transition’ plans, including job programs and economic development initiatives, have been proposed to support workers and communities impacted by prison closure. “The closure of prisons should be seen as an opportunity to repurpose them and bring sustainable and equitable growth to communities,” Howard said. “California needs a practical roadmap to close prisons that meets the needs of multiple stakeholders. This is all possible with political will and common sense. At this moment, we need Newsom to have both. We want the Governor to sign a final budget in June that centers the most vulnerable Californains and more meaningfully addresses out-of-control corrections spending.”

VICTORVILLE, CA— Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to represent our office at last week’s Fentanyl Awareness Forum. This important event, hosted by the Institute for Public Strategies and the City of Victorville, shed light on the effects of opioids on our community, with a special focus on fentanyl.

“It was a great turnout, and the speakers were very engaging,” said Paul.

The forum featured a powerful panel discussion with experts including:

• Alex Cordova from the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
• Deputy Greg Jones from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
• Takisha Williams from Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC.
• Antoinette Jackson from the Symba Center
• Steve Filson from VOID Victims of Illicit Drugs

We can’t thank the organizers and panelists enough for bringing this important issue to light. Let’s all work together to keep our community safe from the dangers of fentanyl.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Family members, friends, colleagues, and business associates across California are mourning the tragic loss of Peggy Moore, 60, and her wife Hope Wood, 48. The couple passed away in a car accident that occurred on May 10 in San Diego County.

According to multiple reports, the fatal collision on State Route 76 claimed the lives of four people, with another person sustaining serve injuries.

In 2019, Moore and Wood founded Hope Action Change, an organizational development consultancy and coaching firm. They both had experience working as organizers, strategists, and leaders in education, electoral and issue-based campaigns, and public affairs.

The couple first met while working on Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.

The news of their passing has elicited a wave of condolences from numerous business and political leaders and Black-led organizations across the state.

“I met Peggy back in 2004. She’s been an amazing sister friend of mine,” said LaNiece Jones, a member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

“This morning, my heart broke with the news of the sudden death of Peggy and her dear wife, Hope. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Peggy and Hope. I am still in shock. Both Peggy and Hope are brilliant and caring individuals who deeply loved giving to the community and the community deeply loved them back.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) took to social media platform X to share her grief.

“I’m heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Peggy Moore and Hope Wood. Peggy was a friend, an activist, and one of the best organizers I knew. Her passion and fight for justice and equality is what brought her and Hope together,” wrote Lee.

As a senior leader and key advisor reporting to the C.E.O., Crystal Crawford will oversee strategic partnerships to expand the impact and efficacy of the Weingart Foundation.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- After an extensive national search, the Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial justice, has chosen Crystal Crawford to serve as its first Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships. In this newly created role, Crawford will oversee strategic partnerships and manage relationships with key stakeholders to expand the impact and efficacy of the Weingart Foundation.

“Crystal Crawford is an experienced and strategic leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing justice and equity for vulnerable communities across California,” said Joanna S. Jackson, interim President and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation. “As a nationally recognized leader in fighting poverty and advancing health and well-being, particularly in communities of color, she will be a tremendous addition to the Weingart team. We look forward to working with Crystal to cultivate meaningful partnerships that will help us strengthen our work serving communities most impacted by systemic inequities.”

Crawford, who has extensive experience in the legal, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors, currently serves as Executive Director of the Western Center on Law & Poverty, a trailblazing legal and advocacy organization that works to bring about systemic and structural change in every branch of government. Previously, she was a program director at The California Wellness Foundation where she developed the organization’s groundbreaking Women’s Initiatives, a multi-million-dollar investment that advanced the health and economic security of women of color. Before joining Cal Wellness, she served as C.E.O. of the California Black Women’s Health Project, the first statewide organization solely devoted to improving the health of California’s Black women and girls through policy advocacy, education and outreach.

Crawford said: “I have been a long-time admirer of the Weingart Foundation’s outstanding commitment to racial justice and racial equity. Its impactful work has helped to transform communities and systems. At this time when work advancing racial justice and diversity, equity and inclusion is under heightened attack, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues as we deepen the Foundation’s work in communities and forge new partnerships with courage and boldness.”

Crawford is active in the leadership of numerous civic, advocacy and community organizations, including serving as chairperson of the five-member Los Angeles County Public Health Commission. Originally from Harlem, New York and Teaneck, New Jersey, Crawford earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and law degree from the New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the bar in California, New York and New Jersey.

ABOUT THE WEINGART FOUNDATION

The Weingart Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial, social, and economic justice for all. Our vision is a dynamic and effective social change sector that is creating equitable systems and structures needed to achieve justice. Founded in 1951, the Foundation has to date granted over $1 billion to organizations, strengthening their efforts in human services, housing, health, education, and community power building. In addition, the Foundation builds networks and collaboratives with philanthropic, public sector, and community leaders to advance equity and justice together.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California African American Chamber of Commerce partnered with the California African American Action Fund to host its annual “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception.” The event took place on May 7 at the Sutter Club in downtown Sacramento.

Distinguished guests included business leaders, state officials, and both former and current lawmakers. Notably, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), attended the event. Former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, 90, was the keynote speaker. Former state Sen. Roderick Wright and CAACC Executive Director Timothy Alan Simon served as emcees.

“The California African American Chamber of Commerce and the California African American Action Fund represent the African American economy of the fourth largest economy of the world,” Simon said during the introduction of the event. “Therefore, tonight let’s have some fun. We are going to learn how to acquire more power, more financial funding, and more access. We’re opening up those doors to you.”

During the reception, an award ceremony honored individuals for their achievements, innovative ideas, leadership, business acumen, and political contributions.

The CAACC Media and Communications Award was presented to Civil Rights Activist Danny Bakewell Jr., President of the Bakewell Company, and Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel.

The Gwen Moore Legislative Impact Award was presented to Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the CLBC. The Legislator of the Year honor went to Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley).

“This is an absolute honor. Especially, with my knowledge and familiarity with Assemblymember Moore’s work,” Wilson said. “It’s just a reminder, honor, and privilege of this space I get to be in. This award holds profound significance for me and those who dedicated their lives to advancing equity, justice, and opportunities for all.”

Cathy Adams, President and CEO of Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce was presented with the Aubry Stone Outstanding Business Award. The Trailblazer Award was presented to the late Linda Crayton, former San Francisco City Commissioner.

Crayton served on the Airport Commission for the City and County of San Francisco from 1996 to 2020.

“She clearly served for almost 25 years, and she was totally sensitive to the need and careful implementation within the framework of all the rules that had been established,” Brown said of Crayton. She was a difference for many.”

Other leaders honored were John Reynolds, California Public Utilities Commission (recipient of the Distinguished Service Award); Hon. Heather Hutt, Councilmember for the City of Los Angeles, representing Council District 10, (Distinguished Service in the African American Community Award); and Thurman White, Senior Advisor ESO Ventures (Distinguished Recognition Award).

Rounding out the special guests and awardees list were Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), CLBC Vice Chair, Dennis Thurston, Supplier Diversity Program Manager for Southern California Edison; Angela Gibson-Shaw, President of Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce; and Tommy Ross, Pinnacle Strategic Group.

Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA) also attended the two-hour event.

The California African American Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest statewide Black Chamber organizations. Its mission is to drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African American businesses and connect and harness the collective strength of our statewide network of member organizations to elevate fiscal health.

Moore was elected and first served on the Los Angeles Community College District Board in 1975. She was first elected to the state legislature in 1978 and served for 16 years until 1994, representing California’s 49th district (redistricted and renumbered in 1990 as the 47th district), which currently includes Long Beach, Catalina Island, and parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties.

When Brown was elected to be the Speaker of the Assembly, he appointed Moore the Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce. The position held legislative jurisdiction over telecommunications, electricity, private water corporations, natural gas, and other issues related to exchanging goods and services between businesses.

Moore passed away in August 2020.

“Her job was done in such a way that when she left the halls of legislation in 1994 the public utility world reached out to get her guidance and judgment in the process of decisions that would be made,” Brown said. “That’s the nature of how we need to work in the world of politics and, how we need to exercise authority and privilege.”

By Rhonda Smith | Special to California Black Media Partners

In 2008, I received news no one ever wants to hear. I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer, with an ER/PR positive tumor type.

The road to recovery was tough, taking more than a physical toll on my body. I grappled with the emotional and mental strain of navigating a health care system that too often fails to address the unique needs of Black women. There was no manual to guide me through this journey, no prescription to ease the burden, and no roadmap to help me navigate the challenges ahead.

The stark reality that Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women is a grim reminder of the systemic inequities that pervade our health care system. According to the American Cancer Society, Black Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival rate of any racial or ethnic group in the country. This disparity extends beyond breast cancer, impacting colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers, among others.

To help overcome these inequities, we need to attack cancer at its roots; we must catch it early, and we must ensure the means to catch cancer early are accessible to the communities most at risk. I consider myself fortunate to have received a Stage 1 diagnosis. Yet, it pains me to know that for many others, their breast cancer is often detected in later, more advanced stages. It is a sobering reality – one that underscores the need for action.

Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. Some California congressmembers — particularly U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) — are taking decisive action. Ruiz is a lead sponsor of a bill to dramatically expand access to cutting-edge early detection tools for Medicare beneficiaries, including millions of Black Americans in underserved communities. With bipartisan support from a strong majority of his colleagues in Congress, as well as many of our state’s representatives, this bill is closer than ever to passage.

Named in honor of Nancy Gardner Sewell, a civil rights leader and passionate advocate for health justice, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would ensure Medicare has the latitude it needs to cover an exciting new class of cancer detection tests as soon as they’re cleared by the FDA.

These tests utilize the latest scientific achievements to identify cancer signals in a patient’s blood stream. They can pinpoint many different types of cancer from a single blood draw, dramatically improving doctors’ ability to detect cancers early and at stages where they are most treatable.

The importance of early detection in improving cancer outcomes cannot be understated, especially for African Americans, who often face later-stage diagnoses and poorer prognoses.

A recent study estimates that preventive cancer screenings in the past 25 years have given Americans at least 12 million more years of life, translating to a remarkable $6.5 trillion saved in health care costs. Too many cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread and treatments, no matter how advanced, are less effective. And even for those forms of the disease, like breast cancer, for which there are screenings, patients can remain asymptomatic until the cancer has metastasized.

That’s why MCED tests are such a game changer, especially when it comes to cancers we currently can’t detect.

Any health care provider that can draw blood already has the tools to administer an MCED test. One of the largest obstacles to the widespread adoption of these tests isn’t technical – it’s the fact that Medicare has no pathway to cover new cancer screenings like MCED in a timely manner, even though people over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk of developing cancer. Without the possibility of Medicare coverage, MCED tests won’t be available for the underserved and older adults who would benefit the most.

The next phase of our fight against cancer – and the disproportionate toll it takes on Black Americans – starts by urging Congress to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act and ensuring the benefits of this legislation reach all corners of our communities.

I don’t advocate for change for myself, but for every Black woman who has faced, or will face, a similar battle. Please heed my words – for yourself and your health. Ask for the necessary tests or screenings. If you’re unsatisfied with their response, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. We’ve got the power to take control of our health.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of health care, catch and treat cancer early, and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of her race or background.

About the Author

Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, leads initiatives to advance health equity for Black Californians, leveraging her expertise from roles including consulting and spearheading health disparities initiatives for BIPOC communities. With an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, Rhonda has led transformative projects like the LiveHealthy OC Initiative and the Susan G. Komen® Circle of Promise California Initiative to address health disparities and promote whole person care approaches.

War, Drought, Starvation, Terrorist threats, Uncertain and knowing that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; tell me what manner of persons ought you to be?  [2 Peter 3:11]. Jesus is coming back with a vengeance, handing out judgment to all those that are disobedient and refuse to accept Him as Lord and Savior, I ask you, what manner of person ought you to be?

Knowing that God is planning judgment should bring us all into a sobering reality. You cannot be preoccupied with the cares of this life and neglect the welfare of your soul. That is the tragedy that happened in the days of Noah. UNDERSTAND – Salvation is a gift from God. It is the provision, the escape route that God has made for everybody to escape His judgment and wrath.  Therefore, give the more earnest heed to the things which you have heard, lest at any time you should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall you escape, if you neglect so great salvation; which at first was spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. [Hebrews 2:1-7].

Live a life of wisdom instead of foolishness, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil understanding what the Lord’s will is. We must recognize how short our time is. Moses says in [Psalm 90:12], “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  If we do not realize how short our time is, we will not make the most of it. Our time is short because death awaits us. It is short because certain opportunities currently before us will not always be there. If you haven’t given your life to God, do it right now, because the next second isn’t promised. Understand that life without God is “futile.” It is empty, worthless, unfulfilling. [Ecclesiastes 1:2] says, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [Romans 12:1–2].

Oh, how I love you, Lord! You are my defender. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. Praise the Lord! The danger of death was all around me; the waves of destruction rolled over me and the grave set its trap for me. In my trouble I called to the Lord. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help. Then the earth trembled and shook; the foundations of the mountains rocked and quivered, because God was angry. The Lord reached down from above and took hold of me; he pulled me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my enemies, the Lord protected me. He helped me out of danger; he saved me. This God—how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. God alone is our defense. The Lord lives! And so, I praise you among the nations; I sing praises to you. [Psalms 18].

Living in Uncertain Times with God on Your Side!

SAN MANUEL INDIAN RESERVATION— During a recent ceremony, three elected leaders took the oath of office to be seated on the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel: Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena, Treasurer Latisha Prieto and Second Governing Council Member Laurena Bolden. All three incumbent San Manuel Tribal Council officials will begin new four-year terms in accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution. They will continue to serve with Tribal Council members Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Jr., Secretary Audrey Martinez, Culture Seat Joe Maarango, and First Governing Council Member Edward Duro.

The Tribe’s recently adopted Constitution mandates four-year terms for the Tribal Council, replacing the previous two-year term under the former Business Committee structure.

The Tribal Council is a seven-member body elected to oversee the San Manuel’s day-to-day operations, including stewarding cultural, social and community affairs, carrying out the Tribe’s laws and directives, protecting its governmental and business interests, and exercising the Tribe’s inherent sovereignty. Each Council member is elected by majority vote of the Governing Council, the main governing body of the Tribe.

SMBMI_Second Governing Councilmember Laurena Bolden

Chairwoman Valbuena said making the transition to four-year terms was voiced by the drafters of the constitution and supports the Tribe’s right to self-determination to advance and sustain its tribal government.

“This election is a significant milestone in implementing the Tribe’s constitution,” said Chairwoman Valbuena. “Governments the world over typically elect leaders for four-year terms to ensure continuity of leadership. We express our gratitude to the San Manuel Governing Council for their foresight and support for the ongoing development and governance of this vibrant and self-sustaining Tribal Nation.”

SMBMI_Treasurer Latisha Prieto